The origins of the name Shaker:

The Shakers were originally a radical sect of the Quaker religion that became known in the 1760’s as Shaking Quakers due to their ecstatic worship practices. The name was later shortened to Shakers. Today, members of the religion are still referred to as Shakers although their ecstatic form of worship is far less visible in present day time.

Shaker Motto:

            Hands to Work, Heart to God

The Shakers invented several time saving devices such as:

- A wringer washer

- The flat bottom broom

- Circular saw

- Wrinkle-resistant fabric,

- A pea sheller

- A revolving oven

- A machine for coring and quartering apples

Shaker communities were often the first in their areas to get electricity. The Sabbathday Lake Shakers were the first in New Gloucester, Maine, to get an automobile, which they bought used in 1909.

Both music and dance play a large role in the Shaker worship services. They believe that participation in the worship service involves one's whole body rather than just their voice.

Shakers are masters at saving space. In many of their buildings, drawers are built into the wall or into the space under staircases. The walls are usually lined with pegs which are used to hang everything from hats and coats to chairs.

The song “Simple Gifts” was written by the Shakers. It became well known in the twentieth century when Aaron Copland used it as the theme for his piece Appalachian Spring.